The Truth about Jack

by Jody Gehrman

[Angie]

I received an ARC through NetGalley.

The Truth About Jackis super duper cute! Dakota has just been accepted into her dream school on the same day that her BFF e-mails her to let her know that she's seeing her boyfriend. Dakota's joy is immediately transformed into devastation, and she's feeling alone, so she decides to write a message in a bottle. Instead of being swept away to a far off land, Jack picks it up when it washes back. Now, he's got to meet the girl who's written these words that resonate so well with him. Too bad he's too shy, so he creates a fictional pen-pal to get to know her.

I adored The Truth About Jack! I loved how Jack was so unsure about getting close to Dakota, even if it turned him into a liar. This boy asks his chauffeur for girl advice! He also gets a Hispanic friend to help him infuse his letters with Spanish phrases, since his letter writing persona is suppose to be from Barcelona. He goes through so much trouble just to get to know her! He does try in "real life" too, and it doesn't always go his way especially since there's another guy vying for Dakota's attention, but she thinks he's probably a creeper.

I also really liked Dakota! She lives on an artist commune, in a yurt! Her neighbor lives in a tree-house! Dakota is also an artist who uses recycled materials. I felt so awful for her when she got that e-mail from her friend. Cody had been her first boyfriend, and she knew she wasn't in love with him, but it still hurt. I do think she hurt more over being betrayed by her supposed BFF though, and I loved how she stood up to her at the end! River is one of those big, take charge type of personalities, and Dakota always let her have her way. Well, not anymore! You go girl!

The Truth About Jack was just a feel good read. I'm sure you know the story of Cyrano de Bergerac, so I probably don't need to say more about the plot and the way the relationship develops. Jack is hiding behind his letters, but the truth does have to come out! The ending is far-fetched, cheesy, and feels like a made-for-TV movie, but it was adorable! It totally worked for the story and left me in a happier mood.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.